The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee scored midway through both halves on Friday afternoon on its way to posting a 2-0 shutout against Valparaiso at Brown Field.

The Horizon League’s first place team found the scoreboard at the 34:08 mark as Sarah Talbert sent a cross from the right side into the penalty area where Nicole Sperl collected and found the back of the net from about five yards.

Valpo trailed 1-0 at intermission as the Crusaders were outshot 7-2 in the opening 45 minutes.Erin Murray (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley H.S.) made a pair of saves during the first half to keep Valpo close.

“I felt we played well in the first half limiting their chances and preventing them from getting behind our back line,” Valpo head coach Stephen Anthony said.

The Crusaders were called for a foul just inside the penalty area with 23:10 remaining in the contest and Joanna Severson converted on the penalty kick into the far left corner to push the lead to 2-0.

“Unfortunately for us in the second half we came out and chased the game a bit,” Anthony added. “We were not as disciplined and we not able to create any true chances for ourselves.”

Valpo was unable to find the equalizer and Murray finished the match with five saves for the Brown and Gold. Erin Kane made one stop for Milwaukee (8-3-3, 4-0-1 Horizon) in the victory.

The Panthers outshot the Crusaders 16-7 for the night and Milwaukee had the only corner kick opportunity.

“Certainly we played some good soccer at times today and there were moments to build on,” Anthony concluded.

Valparaiso (7-7, 1-3) will wrap up the home portion of the 2007 regular season on Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders entertain Green Bay. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. with Senior Day action taking place prior to the match. All the action will be carried live on WVUR (95.1-FM, Valparaiso) and online at www.valpo.edu/athletics.